Corn (Maiz, Choclo) Corn has been cultivated in South America for more than 5,000 years, and is possibly South America’s biggest food contribution to the rest of the world. Potatoes Potatoes rival corn as the oldest and most important South American crop. Hundreds of different potatoes are still grown in the Andes today. Peppers (Ajis) Peppers are the most important ingredient in South American cooking. There are both sweet and hot varieties, and they are used in many creative ways. Tropical Fruit: South American cuisine uses an assortment of tropical fruit like coconut, cherimoya, mango, guava, pineapple, and papaya Yuca (Manioc, Cassava) The starchy edible root of the yuca plant is another very important food. It’s especially popular in Brazil, where the root is ground, dried and roasted to make Farofa, which is a popular stew.
Popular South American Food:
Corn (Maiz, Choclo)
Corn has been cultivated in South America for more than 5,000 years, and is possibly South America’s biggest food contribution to the rest of the world.
Potatoes
Potatoes rival corn as the oldest and most important South American crop. Hundreds of different potatoes are still grown in the Andes today.
Peppers (Ajis)
Peppers are the most important ingredient in South American cooking. There are both sweet and hot varieties, and they are used in many creative ways.
Tropical Fruit: South American cuisine uses an assortment of tropical fruit like coconut, cherimoya, mango, guava, pineapple, and papaya
Yuca (Manioc, Cassava)
The starchy edible root of the yuca plant is another very important food. It’s especially popular in Brazil, where the root is ground, dried and roasted to make Farofa, which is a popular stew.